Chris Wood named Sky Bet Championship Player of the Month

Leeds United striker Chris Wood has been named the Sky Bet Championship Player of the Month for January.

Six goals in four games for the frontman who has become the symbol of his club’s on-field renaissance.

He showed variety in his finishing with tap-ins, towering headers and a beautiful chest control and volley against Rotherham.

Leeds manager Garry Monk said: “Congratulations to Chris, it is always good to get recognition, but I’m sure he will be the first to say his biggest thanks should go to his teammates who have helped create these chances for him, as well as him helping his self.

“Chris has been great for the team, he is a big part of this group and he will be ready to work even harder now, to push himself to be even better.”

Wood added: “Personally, it was a very nice month. I think we won three games out of four, which is a good record. We’re doing well as a team.

“My own improvement has been a reflection on how well the team are playing. We’ve come on leaps and bounds from last year and we’re creating loads more chances, which gives us forward players more opportunities.”

Sky Sports’ EFL pundit Don Goodman said: “Wood’s finishing set him apart in December and the calm-mannered Kiwi has that fantastic ability of being in the right place at the right time as far as scoring goals is concerned.

“It’s not only his goals that are important to Leeds, however, his hold up play and physicality are central to their continued promotion push.”

Sky Bet Football Trading Manager Paul Lowery said: “One of the most popular request-a-bet markets during the pre-season with Sky Bet punters was Chris Wood to score 20 or more goals in the Championship season.

“He looks like making mincemeat out of that quota, netting almost a third of the total in the month of January alone.

“His goals have been crucial for Garry Monk’s side as they look to sustain a Play-Off push. Importantly, four of his six in the month came in three crucial home wins for his side, as they kept touch with the pack chasing Newcastle and Brighton."